Description

TSC Auto ID built its reputation on building the most rugged and reliable thermal label desktop printers. We have now used this engineering and manufacturing expertise to design the industry’s best reliable and rugged portable label printer.

The TSC Alpha-4L 4-inch (102 mm) direct thermal portable label printer features a rugged design and reliable performance that will continue to operate long after other printers have failed. As with all TSC built printers, we back up our claims with the industry’s best two-year warranty.

The Alpha-4L is a comfortable, light-weight printer capable of working with any mobile label, document or receipt printing application where you need labels printed wherever you are.

TSC’s Alpha-4L is designed for the tough life of the road, warehouse or retail location. With its optional case, the printer is IP54-rated o resist dust and water and endures to a 6 foot fall and keeps printing.

These small and light printers can be worn comfortably for a full shift, without interfering with the user’s tasks. Use USB, or optional Bluetooth®, 802.11 b/g/n Wireless or Serial to connect to a mobile computer or even a smart phone and produce clear, accurate labels hour after hour.

About the Manufacturer: TSC Auto ID Technology, was founded Aug. 1, 2007 and is based in Li Tse, I-lan county, Taiwan. Its parent company, Taiwan Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (TSC), specializes in the production of semiconductor rectifiers used in home electrical appliances, communication and information products, equipment instruments, automobiles, and national defense systems. Since its founding in 1979, the company has earned a worldwide reputation as the one of the industry’s leading rectifier manufacturers.

FAQ

Can I print using USB media?

Yes, you can print files which are on the USB drive by selecting the ‘Print from File’ option from the menu. Intended to aid in format development and diagnostics, the file on the USB drive must be named: capture.prn. This feature has become popular for short demos also. The menu travel is \Advanced\Supervisor\Files\Print from File. Note: the active configuration must be one which matches the file.

Desktop, Industrial, or Mobile printers?

Desktop - Good for printing less than 1000 labels per day. Desktop printers tend have around 4 to 6 IPS so it is recommended for lower quantities of labels.

Industrial - Good for printing labels in large quantities (10,000+/day). Industrial printers have around 8 to 14 IPS and is built for the wear and tear of printing large quantities.

Mobile - Good for printing labels on the move (eg. large warehouse, trade shows, in the field, etc.)

How are User files managed?

User files (unique to the users implementation of the LP 100R) can be:

Added to a printer

Copied from one printer to archive or use in another printer

Removed completely via the menu system

User files can also be managed by accessing the printer remotely and navigating through a menu of options and screens. The specific files themselves can be either presented to the menu system through a USB flash drive or via FTP connection. The directory of user files and content can also be printed via the menu systems.

How can I get SATO-Logic controller?

Direct SATO customers who have an LP 100R under a SATO America maintenance contract are eligible for an upgrade. Please enquire through your SATO America Service Department contacts.

End users servicing their own equipment can purchase the SATO-Logic controllers.

How do I get a barcode to print?

If you already have barcode numbers that you want to print then you need software that can detect the printer and the label format. We suggest Seagull Scientific's Bartender.

How do I print to the LP 100R?

The SATO-Logic controller will automatically detect the active communication port and continue to print from that port until all the jobs are complete and the port goes inactive. The user does not have to select the desired communications port.

The active port from which data is being processed is indicated on the User Display panel.

To support Windows and most host environments, SATO-Logic supports:

Ethernet on the raw port (port 9100)

As a print server on the LPR port (port 515)

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System)

Additionally legacy TCP/IP protocols to the bit level

In addition to communication connections, you may also print directly from a file present on USB media.

How do I scan 2D barcodes?

You need a barcode scanner with a 2d area imager scan engine. Laser or linear imager barcode scanners will not work.

How does SATO-Logic differ from METO-Logic?

SATO-Logic is the 8th generation wide web laser printer controller. It includes technology improvements, adjustments to industry trends, and foundation for future features and enhancements.

Accepts USB media to manage the printer and controller settings, and diagnostic features

Print from a file (USB) option to test or short run

Simplification of menus

The focus of the settings and parameters for emulations and emulation features has been revised to applicable subjects

Legacy communication ports have been cleaned up

The support of end of life printer models and options have been removed

Clearer and concise user pages, recognized by the SATO-Logic branding

These detailed reports, fit on 8.5” x 11” sheet making them easy to share.

The status page is broken into three sections: Hardware, Communications, and Current Configuration. These sections are dynamically created when requested to reflect the concise settings.

The Configuration Page report is simplified to eliminate confusion. As emulations, options and settings are selected, only the applicable parameters are listed, thereby eliminating confusion.

Time and Usage page illustrates in clear progressing bar-graph format the life remaining of all PM intervals and consumables.

Capture files sent to the print spooler (LPR/CUPS)

Improved service and support capabilities with:

Additional logs for network and emulation issues

Clearer set-up options and defaults

Network connection verification and error handling

What are the Advantages / Improvements of SATO-Logic?

Capitalizing on the industry improvements in the hardware and supporting systems, SATO-Logic manages data communications, input file buffering, and file processing, each separately from actual printing. A data intense user will recognize large overall processing improvements in data file transmission and the subsequent processing.

Added and improved file management features for both set-up and diagnostic, remotely and from the user panel.

Improved job control from the menu setting and user panel during operation.

Documentation for the laser printer and related products available if you browse the printer IP.

Print from a file (USB) option to test or short run

Capture files sent to the print spooler (LPR/CUPS)

Improved service and support capabilities with:

Additional logs for network and emulation issues

Clearer set-up options and defaults

Network connection verification and error handling

What are the USB ports used for?

The USB ports accept USB media (flash drives) to transfer user files. You can copy the printer set-up files from one printer and install them onto other printers. You can also copy the various logs and counter information to share with administrative or support groups as well as update the Controller software and printer firmware.

What are User files?

User files refer to the set-up files and unique resource files such as fonts, logos and formats which result in a custom or unique implementation of the LP 100R. The LP 100R allows these files to be managed by the user several ways for convenience.

What consumables are required?

Maintainable and replaceable by the user for maximum production time are:

Toner

Toner collection bottle

OPC cartridge

Developer unit

What does remote management allow or do?

The Remote Management features were developed and implemented in response to customer requests, primarily from customers with multiple sites, devices or shifts, central administration and support.

The administrators and support groups can remotely:

Monitor the messages and function to better support the user when an issue arises

2D is a category of barcodes. Usually square or rectangle shaped with black pixels inside.

Can store up to 2,000 characters. (200% increase over 1D barcodes)

There are several fonts / languages of 2D barcodes.

Can only be read with 2d imaging scanners.

Some popular 2D barcodes are: QR code, PDF417, & Datamatrix.

What is a configuration?

configuration is a set of printer and emulation settings which define the way the controller and printer process the job submitted for printing. A default configuration is supplied to print basic jobs.

Each configuration defines:

The media parameters

The resolution of the printer (240, 300, 400, 480, or 600 DPI)

The emulation of the data file

Specific parameters applicable to the desired emulation, including but not limited to fonts, control characters, margins, error handling, etc.

Image specifics such as density (darkness), orientation and alignment

Applicable parameters for the installed options

What is a high density scanner/imager?

Some devices can be equipped with a high density scanner or imager which will allow superior barcode scanning performance on very small linear barcodes (3 mil or 0.003"), plus the versatility to read other common linear symbologies

What is Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer?

Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer are two methods of label printing and knowing which one you need is important.

Direct Thermal

Thermal Transfer

Description

Direct Thermal is a type of label material and printer.

Thermal Thermal is a type of label material and printer.

Requires Ribbon to Print

No

Yes

(A ribbon is like ink for thermal transfer labels and is required to print on thermal transfer labels. It is made of wax, resin, or a combination of both.)

Heat Resistant

No

Yes

Friction Resistant

No

Yes

Freezer Resistant

No

Yes

Chemical Resistant

No

Yes

Scratch Resistant

No

Yes

Smudge Resistant

No

Yes

Shelf Life

1 - 3 months

6 - 12 months

Additional Notes

No ribbon means less cost for printing labels. It also frees up time since no ribbon change is necessary. For short term projects, Direct Thermal is the best choice.

For long term projects, Thermal Thermal is the best choice for its extreme durability.

Best Uses

Shipping Labels, Receipts, Parking Tickets, & Visitor Passes.

Product Labels, Laboratories, Freezers, & Inventory Labels.

What is Inch Per Second (IPS)?

Inch Per Second is the measurement of speed for how fast a printer can print or how fast a rewinder can rewind. Higher IPS means the printer can print more labels in one second.

Example: A printer with 6 IPS means it can print 6 one inch labels in one second , 3 two inch labels in one second, or 2 three inch labels in one second.

What is keyboard wedge (PS/2), Serial (RS232), and USB?

Keyboard Wedge (PS/2), Serial (RS232), and USB are different ports on a computer / printer / system. Some devices will give you the option of selecting how you want to communicate with your computer / printer / system by selecting the desired port.

Keyboard Wedge (PS/2)

A keyboard wedge, also known as PS/2, is the keyboard port on the back of a computer. Keyboard wedge data appears on a computer screen just as it would have been typed through a keyboard. The disadvantage of a keyboard wedge is that the data cannot be modified prior to displaying on a screen. PS/2 ports are very uncommon in newer computers/systems.

Serial (RS232)

Serial (RS232) connects to a computer's serial port and send its information to the screen or to any program. Serial is more complex than Keyboard Wedge but is much more versatile: data can be edited, re-ordered or changed before it is displayed, allowing customization of applications collecting and using data. Serial ports are very uncommon in newer computers/systems.

USB

USB is the most common option for connecting devices. USB has many advantages over serial and the keyboard wedge. With USB: data transfer is faster, multiple devices can connect to a system with USB, it can draw power from a computer (so an AC adapter is not needed), can be unplugged/plugged without any issues, and can work instantly when plugged into a computer.

What is the expected consumable life?

The LP 100R has a 10% longer consumable life span over its closest competitor /predecessor the LIS-1865e. Contact a SATO Sales Rep for details.

What is the future for METO-Logic?

All printers will be produced with SATO-Logic controllers and all future development will be in SATO-Logic. Existing installed METO-Logic controllers will be maintained as required. SATO Field Service will proactively upgrade existing installations. For more details, contact your SATO America Service or Sales Representative.

What makes a device 'healthcare certified'?

Healthcare certified means the device has been covered in an antimicrobial plastic that can effectively prevent the build-up and spread of threatening bacteria and microbes. This includes the scan window, display surfaces, stylus, screws, wires, and plastic.

To be certified, each product is approved in a test lab to meet antimicrobial requirements. Antimicrobial surfaces provide effective protection but standard healthcare cleaning and disinfection procedures should still be followed. Healthcare certified devices are designed to withstand constant cleaning.

What media does the LP 100R support?

The LP 100R supports continuous feed (pin feed) media both fan folded and roll to roll. The LP 100R supports media from 6” up to 18” wide, 17” image and 5” up to 24” long. Refolding limits at 18” (with a 12” stacker table). The media thickness from 6.5 to 20 mil can be varied and stored at the configuration.

With the SATO-Logic™ controller, up to 999 user configurations can be defined and later recalled to simplify job set-up. The configurations store the media parameters, including the settings to make that media feed smoothly and fuse completely. Balancing media settings can maximize print quality while prolonging consumable life and PM schedules.

What Ribbon do I need?

A ribbon is only required for Thermal Transfer printers and the type you need depends on where the label will be placed.

Ribbons are made of wax, resin, or a combination of both. Wax is the standard ribbon type but for a stronger material, resin is the go to option. Resin is good against chemicals, temperature changes, and weather damage.

Network communications set-up provides verification and feedback during set-up and each initialization cycle. A message will be displayed on the panel if the communication connections are not responding.

Remote communications in Secure Shell session for added security over open networks

Staying current with technology protects against obsolesce

SATO-Logic users will be best positioned for future enhancements and features

Do you guys carry more products?

Yes! We are always trying to add more products from other popular manufacturers like Zebra, Brother, Sato, Motorola, and much more. In the mean time, please contact us for any questions, information, or pricing on a product not listed on this website.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

I see a typo/error/mistake — what should I do?

Please tell us! We're human beings and sometimes mistakes are made. If you spot a typo, error on data specifications, or something that looks out of place then please contact us. We'll do our best to fix our mistakes as soon as possible.

Is it possible to try a product before we buy it?

Please contact us for products to test. Some products may require having a credit card on file before shipping out a demo unit.

Where is the price?

Unfortunately, we are unable to list actual pricing due to restrictions. Fortunately, because of our partnerships with manufactures, we are able to offer amazingly low prices on many products. To receive the best price, please contact us and we will do our best to beat our competitor’s price.

To be honest, we probably won’t be able to beat everybody’s price but we promise that you’ll be happy with the solutions and services we can provide.

Who is All Barcode Systems?

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